darrell
10th January 2003, 10:23 AM
7. Riddles
Some riddles result in death if you answer them incorrectly. The 'Morgoth'
riddle is one of these. I've gathered together quite a bit of evidence on this
phenomena, and it appears that even giving the correct answer will kill a
character 1 out of 3 times or so, regardless of allegiance. Just tough luck.
If you get this riddle or another of the 'death' ones, just give the correct
answer and pray.
*****
7.01 It cannot be seen, cannot be felt,
cannot be heard, cannot be smelt.
It lies behind stars and unders hills
and empty holes it fills.
It comes first and follows after,
ends life, kills laughter.
Answer: dark (riddle in `The Hobbit)
*****
7.02 High king he was to those in exile,
at least he was for a while.
A rescuer of kin - an epic feat
was slain in combat by a Balrog's heat.
Answer: Fingon (High King of the Noldor in Beleriand after the death of
Fingolfin. He rescued Maedhros, his half-brother from the towers of
Thangorodrim, and was slain by Gothmog, Lord of the Balrogs, in the Nirnaeth
Arnoediad. (Source: The Silmarillion))
*****
7.03 Linked and yet linked again
bound to be bound for binding
once to hold for great ages three
til one did find himself free.
Answer: Angainor (Angainor was the chain forged by Aule to bind Melkor after his
first defeat. He was sentenced to remain in the Halls of Mandos until three ages
had passed. Later, wen he was again defeated, he was again bound with the chain
Angainor (Source: The Silmarillion)).
*****
7.04 Those of the second brought it here
to places where western Men have been
but where it can be found by most any kin
it is for known only for its air.
Answer: athelas (The men of Numenor brought athelas to Middle-earth (and it is
quoted as growing where ever they dwelt) and it had a very wholesome aroma
(Source: The Lord of the Rings)).
*****
7.05 On the east of the easternmost Middle
near the wood at the foot of the Red
awakening those in the past
lost to all it now said
Answer: "Cuivienen, the `Waters of Awakening'"
*****
7.06 Home to both sea and land
it could be seen by one on the holy height
built for those who left and came home again
it was known from afar by the great white sight.
Answer: Avalonne.
*****
7.07 Her bark is silent and not heard at all,
and bothers not those that live so tall
Answer: Mallorn.
*****
7.08 Drawn to a stranger, a girdle-breaker,
was a greycloak born in the year of trees
defied the powers while still standing tall
yet entrapped by the sweetest power of all.
Answer: Luthien: (this one I think more likely): "Drawn to a stranger a girdle
breaker": If "girdle breaker" is meant to describe the "stranger" (which seems
the most natural reading to me) then the stranger is Beren; and Luthien, then, is
the one drawn to the stranger. This also makes sense in that Beren was a stranger
in Doriath, not Luthien. Luthien was only a stranger to Beren himself. "Was a
gray cloak": Thingol was "Gray cloak" (as pointed out above); saying *A* gray
cloak suggests a member of his House or family; it can also be taken as a
double-meaning referring to the shadowy cloak Luthien wove from her hair. "Born
in the year of trees": THE year is something of a problem, I don't know what that
means, but Luthien was born in Middle-earth at the time the Two Trees were alive
in Valinor. "Defied the powers..." Note the plural. Beren defied Morgoth, but
Luthien defied both Morgoth and, later Mandos (it is possible to dispute that her
attitude toward Mandos was actually defiant-- more pleading or persuasive,
perhaps-- but I think my interpretation will do for the purpose of the riddle at
least). Thus Luthien defied more than one power. And of course the last line
applies.
*****
7.09 Three dragons by name are known:
The first yclept Glaurung,
Another was Smaug,
Who was I?
Possible Answer: Aargh! There are *four* named dragons! (Glaurung, Ancalagon,
Scatha, Smaug)
*****
7.10 Evil Marker
King
Loyal to an Elven Family.
In high reaches they sing.
Possible Answer: Thorondor, King of the Eagles in the First Age, made his nest in
the high mountains, and clawed Morgoth, scarring ("marking") his (evil) face. I
wouldn't call Thorondor "loyal" to anyone but Manwe (and the other Eagles); but
he rescued various High-Elves on a few occasions, and his eagles kept watch over
Gondolin.
*****
7.11 Deadly beasts of Haradrim war
Their presence drove other beasts wild
Raging through a battle ground more and more
Known as 'Oliphaunts' by any hobbit child.
Answer: Elephants of course! But they may want the answer "Mumakil". In GSI's
Middle Earth play by mail game, elephants are referred to as 'Mumaks' or
'Mumakil'. Mumakil is the correct answer.
*****
7.12 These house acient light
Overwhelming in parts three
Their theft cast over all a twilight
Till they came to earth, sky and sea.
Answer: The Silmarils.
*****
7.13 Between Isen & the white, hunters by trade,
Not growers or crafters,
Friends to the Rohirrim, named freemen
of the forest everafter.
Answer: The Woses, or Wildmen of the Woods let by Ghan-buri-ghan.
*****
7.14 Beyond the Merlock Mountains
a long and lonely road.
Through the spider-shadows and the
Marsh of Tode ...
to the noisome pools where they dwell.
Answer:No problem on that, that's an easy one and comes from a poem by JRRT in
"The Adventures of Tom Bombadil." The answer is "the mewlips."
*****
7.15 0ne ring to rule them all
one ring to bind them
one ring to bring them all
and in the darkness bind them
Answer: One Ring
*****
7.16 Beauty and renown it was the best
and it was built to withstand the fortold test
for peace and splendor it held for many an age
til, in one great swoop, it fell to pillage.
Answer: Gondolin. It's inhabitants really felt that it was impregnable, but it
fell to the onslaught of Gothmog and Co.What of the fortold test? I can't think
of any tests foretold for a place in all of Tolkien's work. Ulmo did of course
foretell that Gondolin would fall eventually, but that is not a test. I don't
think it can be Gondolin, or Nargothrond. Both cities were founded in the First
Age ("of the Sun", that is, as opposed to an "Age of Valinor"), and fell in the
First Age; in fact, I don't think either one lasted as much as a thousand years.
(Don't-blink-you'll-miss-it, by Elven standards.) So that nixes the "many an age"
in line 3.
*****
7.17 At first it was the second and more to the west
Home to the lieutenant who survived the sack
then it was made far superior to all the rest.
From here the great miseries spread
While the Black Enemy sat in his pit of dread
til all was lost to the great sea bed.
Answer: Angband. Originally Melkor had his base in Utumno, establishing Angband
as a secondary fortification. Sauron was in charge there (at Angband) and he kept
Angband nice and cosy until Melkor returned with the silmarilli.
*****
7.18 One of the great power, a veritable demon of fire
who under the stars slew elven sire
when the tears had no numbers he slayed the king
and was himself slain by elven sting.
Answer: Gothmog. Killed Feanor in Dagor-nuin-Giliath (Battle Under Stars), Killed
Fingon in Nirnaeth Arnoediad (Battle of Unnumbered Tears), and was killed by
Ecthelion in Gondolin.
*****
7.19 Melkor Forevermore.
Answer: Morgoth. From the Ballantine paperback Silmarillion, p. 88 ("Then Feanor
rose, and lifting up his hand before Manwe he cursed Melkor, naming him Morgoth,
the Black Foe of the World; and by that name only was he known to the Eldar ever
after.").
Note: a character can be killed by this riddle even if he gives a correct
answer.
*****
7.20 That which was for the head
to hold the lights
was that which was for the neck
to hold the life.
Answer: The Iron Crown. The Iron Crown (for the head) was made by Morgoth to hold
the Silmarils (to hold the lights) was made into his collar (was for the neck)
after the War of Wrath. Source: the Silmarillion.
*****
7.21 The Great Deceiver
Gorthaur
First of the Captains of Angband
....Master....
Answer: Sauron
*****
7.22 West of one and south of another
It was itself divided into two
Home to the First and even before
It was mostly lost in the Great War
Answer: Beleriand
*****
7.23 Born of the second in the first
A lover of white
He slacked his thirst to sail beyond the shadow
with the help of the light
Answer: Earendil
*****
7.24 Lord, brother, friend
and from his mountain he does tend
to the welfare of spouse and aire alike
and does protect all with his windy strike
Answer: Manwe
*****
7.25 Lore, skill, but light on reason
he toiled where others knew not to tread
Following folly he followed
until beneath the stars he was dead
Answer: Feanor
*****
7.26 Black as night
in the hand of light
it took many a life
and carried its own strife
Answer: Gurthang
*****
7.27 North of the Black Gate it lay
Where Elves and Men won the day
In an age gone by it stank of death
'Til marshland gave it fetid breath
Answer: Dagorland
*****
7.28 An unpleasant tongue
devised by the second for all
and found in the inner whirl of one
Answer: Black Tongue (or Black Speech)
*****
7.29 Before the river and the trees
with memory of the first raindrop
and the first scent.
Pathmaker of the first paths
here before the seas were bent.
Answer: Tom Bombadil
*****
7.30 Lore master and singer of old
he betrayed his kin
Wanderer hither and thither afar
nothing could his vision of beauty mar,
for the songs lived on in his mind you see
and he never forgot his love of Elven beauty.
Answer: Daeron.
*****
7.31 Deathless in name
with a crown of stars
he sat upon his throne
Even though he was not the same.
Answer: Durin
*****
7.32 Black wolf's head
body of steel
long ram
gate crasher.
Answer: Grond.
*****
7.33 In Gondor it is said that it is free
a wild sort for anyone to find.
It can be found in both Shire and Bree
and some use it's strength to unwind.
Answer: Pipe-weed
*****
7.34 Bred by Evil to slay
what could be slain in no other way.
Bred to guard that which went astray
and within the great bowels lay.
Slayer and slain all at one time
his death brought all the light to shine.
Answer: Carcharoth
*****
7.35 In Elvish, the one comprised three
The first created, then marred
was to be fixed by the second to be
while the third, far from the worst
dealt with those who were not the first.
Answer: Ainulindale
*****
7.36 The hero of the longest poem of Men
a warrior great in power.
He brought misery to love again
and in his despair life did sour.
Answer: Turin
*****
7.37 In the second before the third
lay the greatest apart from undead
out of sight from where some stand, out of reach as well.
But sacrilege has its reward
and its death is a great story to tell.
Answer: Numenor
*****
7.38 The last High one of the second of the three
the first bearer of one of the three
He fought the dark and besieged his seat
but was undone by the searing heat
Answer: Gil-Galad
*****
7.39 The greatest of the first though not the largest in war
bound to the earth but traveled afar
fought by the Dwarves though he killed the king
Finally laid low by one sword's black sting
Answer: Glaurung
*****
7.40 Thirty White horses on a red hill,
first they champ then they stamp, then they stand still
Answer: Teeth
*****
7.41 Air of Gold
made by smith in ages past
given to Elf
before the last of the Last
Answer: Vilya
*****
7.42 The first of the Black enemy in the Elder days
far beneath the crust of man
tunnels and pits filled with great heat
filled with power as the black enemy's seat
Answer: Utumno
*****
7.43 In the beginning was light brought
by that seen as silver and gold
flourishing til evil wrought its way
and now there is only silver by night and gold by day
Answer: the Two Trees
*****
7.44 There stood in the sheer wall of rock
and in the wall it gaped
like the mouth of night
Answer: Dark Door
*****
7.45 The first found them where the sun could not find them
they howl and snarl and shun the light but as mounts and
fighters they aid the dark fight.
Answer: Wargs
*****
7.46 Over not land is his power to be
and in dreams does he cause his people to see
a counselor who always did favor two
it was all he could do to carry the memories through.
Answer: Ulmo
*****
7.47 The secret shadow, the messenger of the dark,
A woman of the night, a bird with a bite
Answer: Thuringwethil
*****
7.48 Of a father slain was he, Orc Slayer, Ring freer
Drawn to a nightinggale by love's found
Slain in loves arms by wolfhound
Answer: Beren
*****
7.49 Great and noble was he, Wolf slayer was he
Free to leave the evil and join the good
to slay the great evil yet slain be
Answer: Huan
*****
7.50 Voiceless it cries
wingless flutters,
toothless bites
mouthless mutters.
Answer: the wind
*****
7.51 A scene of evil carnage and fury
a battle by name
the fourth of Beleriand
the world sighs
and from the name "Anfauglith" came
Answer: Sudden Flame
*****
7.52 This thing all things devours
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers, gnaws iron, bites steel
grinds hard stones to meal
Answer: Time
*****
7.53 Water made from rare and set with white
was kept in the second from everyone's sight
Soon will it's power be shown as real
when it is set to make the land heal
Answer: unknown, possibly 'Nenya'
*****
7.54 The greatest of the wing
flew far above them all
till in the battle of which they sing
he lost in the great fall.
Answer: Ancalagon
*****
7.55 Destiny & Pride reared their noble heads
to stop the taint from so many beds
and so it came to ravage and it tore
the lives of so many in the war
and after it ravaged and after it slew
men came to realize what they knew
and the name was not war or somesuch
but a name that itself told so much
Answer: Kin-Strife
*****
7.56 Huntsmen, rider, bearer; One of seven,
King bearer, tree, leather (there might be more)
Answer: Orome
*****
7.57 Tenth by the first,
And tenth by the second,
Third by the third, yet always
thirty by all who reckon.
Answer: Narquelie
*****
7.58 In tale his deed was of the heroic meter
Told to lift the hearts of the young.
In deed the tale becomes even sweeter
And of his shot more and more songs are sung.
Answer: Bard the Bowman
*****
7.59 Its air is sultry, dark and sweet
and in its wake death and despair do meet
for it brings surcease and terror all in one
but by a fragrant plant it is undone.
Answer: Black Breath
*****
7.60 Deathless in name
with a crown of stars
he sat upon his own throne
Even though he was not the same.
Answer: Durin
*****
7.61 Ever so sharp
but not so long
it's cut of a jewel
made it's way into song
Answer: Angrist
*****
7.62 A song set in stone
It sat in glory all alone
Staunch in its fight against the dark
Until foul betrayal extinguished it's great spark.
Answer: Gondolin
*****
7.63 On high he was among the Noldor
He alone was wedded once and once more
Slain he was like many of his line
By darkest evil in search of beauty fine.
Answer: Finwe
*****
7.64 A poem it is of ghostly haunts
of hero seeking solace but finding only taunts
Written they say by one of those a bearer
A dream misspeled and holding only terror.
Answer: Sea-Bell
*****
7.65 From Brandy to the tower
twas granted by royal power
Answer: The Shire
*****
7.66 In the west it was said this way
And until it fall it alone held sway
In the days of power it came to a head
taken from the early men some said.
Answer: Believed to be "Adunaic". "Numenor" was tried and
is wrong. Some think "Numenorian" may work.
*****
7.67 Large from the first, they were bred that way
to move and think and bit slower than most
their power and strength held most at bay
and they were the brunt on the Dark Lords host.
Answer: Trolls
*****
7.68 As red he was known
but it was as guardian that the tells were sown
And so the guardian did slay the hunters both man and beast
Yet the good did devour
Til death brought it's own surcease
Answer: Carchoroth
*****
7.69 It is in the most ancient form
and tells of those three houses
They who fought the Dark til ne'er lost
who risked all with their brothers no matter the cost
A heroic voyage enable them to survive the dire test
and in return they were given the west.
Answer: Akallabeth (probably this one), Tale of the chilren of
Hurin (Narn I Hin Hurin), Release from Bondage (Lay of
Leithan)
*****
7.70 Carved upon the deathless door
His name was carved by elven hand
In the city below and books of lore
his artistry would be remembered throughout the land.
Answer: (Narvi or Celebrimbor) It's your guess,
Celebrimbor was the elf and was known as the greatest
"craftsman" throughout the land. He also worked on the
door with Narvi. Narvi made the door and is a Dwarf. The
question is..whose name is on the door, the elf or dwarf.
*****
7.71 Of them they were one of three
Larger and heavier than either of the two.
a great hairy move was made in the third but many didn't agree
And back some went and were gladdened by the dew.
Answer: Stoors
*****
7.72 A true friend and implacable enemy was he
Risk-taker, counselor, schemer
Twice into the bowels of the dark he did go
And by none of the elemental test
was he truly laid low
Answer: Gandalf
*****
7.73 The first found them where
the light of sun could not find them
they howl and snarl and shun the light
but as mounts and fighters they aid the dark fight
Answer: Wargs
*****
7.74 Last of the old is she
A force that even the Dark Lord fears
A place of shaddows is her home
And our screams are the last sound anyone hears.
Answer: Shelob
*****
7.75 Of the ancient, the most
Of the tales, the very first
Set down by a Noldorian host
In the Following a theme well versed.
Answer: Ainulindale
*****
7.76 Made by the darker dark in ages gone by
Quendi sired the tales did cry
In the dark out of the light of day,
They used numbers to keep the light at bay.
Answer: Orcs
*****
7.77 A lesser of the west,
Yet south of the southern wall
Flowing south then east at it's own behest
To a long joining it does crawl.
Answer: River Ginglith
*****
7.78 It points south from the inner side of high ground
With it's own high heights and lower than low places.
It is known from afar that by greater magics it is bound
and that it awaited the return of it's lord's dire graces.
Answer: Barad-dur
*****
7.79 A numenorean was his to bear
A city once known as Lond Ernil fell to his care.
Having victory there he brought battle to field a gate
And in victory again did he give his daughter to mate.
Answer: Imrahil
*****
7.80 Of the Dwarven line of D
Yet related was he to the G's
Fought for life and honor for the T's
Yet lost his life to a watery tragedy.
Answer: Oin
*****
7.81 A windy place they say,
Atop the southernmost and tallest of the high
a place where an eye of seeing did lay,
First sought, then deserted as the years went by.
Answer: Thought to be "Amon Sul"
*****
7.82 Out of dark mirkwood he was said to come
Selected nevertheless tho not as mighty as some.
A good fellow was he, a lover of tree,
who waited til thirds end to sail o'er sea.
Answer: Legolas
*****
7.83 The mouth spews forth- some say for leagues forty
And from it's gate it is said the faithful did sorty
Answer: Bay of Romenna
*****
7.84 In Dark secrecy they were made
By secret blend
Strength and fear were the cornerstones laid
When they came about near Third Age end.
Answer: Uruk-Hai
*****
7.85 From the outer dark into the world was she called
Terror, pollution, and great evil was what she bred.
Sipping the sap to all our great peril
She helped to cause the light to go dead.
Fighting even the Black Enemy with some success
'Til she was forced to some dark recess
And even now may not be dead.
Answer: Ungoliant
*****
7.86 Abhorred, cruel, and Captain he was known
The seeds of his life from good to evil were sown.
Seated in power in a land of depeest black
he was destroyed ere again and ere again did he come back.
Answer: Sauron
*****
7.87 A Noldor of the first
A fate uncertain had this elf lord
One son tortured by blade and thirst
One confined in pit by evil horde
Answer: Guilin
*****
7.88 It is said that from a dying golden tree
This was the last of its fruit,
Set to be seen higher and higher,
Strong and beautiful was the heart of fire.
Answer: Sun
*****
7.89 An emblem of white's clear call
Heraldry handed down to be emblazoned on
shield, helmet, and all.
Answer: White Hand
*****
7.90 d r o u k n n a l t a o h n i
Answer: Unknown.
*****
7.91 A gentle being made mad by ancient power
From the sun did he cravenly cower.
A miserable life of full of fearful loss
An extended life, but at what cost?
Following them, ever did follow he
Til he found a peaceful end to his long misery.
Answer: Gollum.
*****
7.93 Before the inland sea that now is there
There stood a place high in the air
And atop this northernly spire
The smithy's work vent forth it's fire
Possible Answer: Illuin. It is said that Cuivienen in the Northeast of
the world was the gulf of the inland sea of Helkar, that was made when
Morgoth overthrew the lamps of the Valar. Since we are talking about
the north, the good one is Illuin.
*****
7.94 On both sides of a celebrant
With tall warders from ages old
It leaves the wonder of silver and gold
To those who would be so foolish and bold.
Answer: Lothlorien.
Some riddles result in death if you answer them incorrectly. The 'Morgoth'
riddle is one of these. I've gathered together quite a bit of evidence on this
phenomena, and it appears that even giving the correct answer will kill a
character 1 out of 3 times or so, regardless of allegiance. Just tough luck.
If you get this riddle or another of the 'death' ones, just give the correct
answer and pray.
*****
7.01 It cannot be seen, cannot be felt,
cannot be heard, cannot be smelt.
It lies behind stars and unders hills
and empty holes it fills.
It comes first and follows after,
ends life, kills laughter.
Answer: dark (riddle in `The Hobbit)
*****
7.02 High king he was to those in exile,
at least he was for a while.
A rescuer of kin - an epic feat
was slain in combat by a Balrog's heat.
Answer: Fingon (High King of the Noldor in Beleriand after the death of
Fingolfin. He rescued Maedhros, his half-brother from the towers of
Thangorodrim, and was slain by Gothmog, Lord of the Balrogs, in the Nirnaeth
Arnoediad. (Source: The Silmarillion))
*****
7.03 Linked and yet linked again
bound to be bound for binding
once to hold for great ages three
til one did find himself free.
Answer: Angainor (Angainor was the chain forged by Aule to bind Melkor after his
first defeat. He was sentenced to remain in the Halls of Mandos until three ages
had passed. Later, wen he was again defeated, he was again bound with the chain
Angainor (Source: The Silmarillion)).
*****
7.04 Those of the second brought it here
to places where western Men have been
but where it can be found by most any kin
it is for known only for its air.
Answer: athelas (The men of Numenor brought athelas to Middle-earth (and it is
quoted as growing where ever they dwelt) and it had a very wholesome aroma
(Source: The Lord of the Rings)).
*****
7.05 On the east of the easternmost Middle
near the wood at the foot of the Red
awakening those in the past
lost to all it now said
Answer: "Cuivienen, the `Waters of Awakening'"
*****
7.06 Home to both sea and land
it could be seen by one on the holy height
built for those who left and came home again
it was known from afar by the great white sight.
Answer: Avalonne.
*****
7.07 Her bark is silent and not heard at all,
and bothers not those that live so tall
Answer: Mallorn.
*****
7.08 Drawn to a stranger, a girdle-breaker,
was a greycloak born in the year of trees
defied the powers while still standing tall
yet entrapped by the sweetest power of all.
Answer: Luthien: (this one I think more likely): "Drawn to a stranger a girdle
breaker": If "girdle breaker" is meant to describe the "stranger" (which seems
the most natural reading to me) then the stranger is Beren; and Luthien, then, is
the one drawn to the stranger. This also makes sense in that Beren was a stranger
in Doriath, not Luthien. Luthien was only a stranger to Beren himself. "Was a
gray cloak": Thingol was "Gray cloak" (as pointed out above); saying *A* gray
cloak suggests a member of his House or family; it can also be taken as a
double-meaning referring to the shadowy cloak Luthien wove from her hair. "Born
in the year of trees": THE year is something of a problem, I don't know what that
means, but Luthien was born in Middle-earth at the time the Two Trees were alive
in Valinor. "Defied the powers..." Note the plural. Beren defied Morgoth, but
Luthien defied both Morgoth and, later Mandos (it is possible to dispute that her
attitude toward Mandos was actually defiant-- more pleading or persuasive,
perhaps-- but I think my interpretation will do for the purpose of the riddle at
least). Thus Luthien defied more than one power. And of course the last line
applies.
*****
7.09 Three dragons by name are known:
The first yclept Glaurung,
Another was Smaug,
Who was I?
Possible Answer: Aargh! There are *four* named dragons! (Glaurung, Ancalagon,
Scatha, Smaug)
*****
7.10 Evil Marker
King
Loyal to an Elven Family.
In high reaches they sing.
Possible Answer: Thorondor, King of the Eagles in the First Age, made his nest in
the high mountains, and clawed Morgoth, scarring ("marking") his (evil) face. I
wouldn't call Thorondor "loyal" to anyone but Manwe (and the other Eagles); but
he rescued various High-Elves on a few occasions, and his eagles kept watch over
Gondolin.
*****
7.11 Deadly beasts of Haradrim war
Their presence drove other beasts wild
Raging through a battle ground more and more
Known as 'Oliphaunts' by any hobbit child.
Answer: Elephants of course! But they may want the answer "Mumakil". In GSI's
Middle Earth play by mail game, elephants are referred to as 'Mumaks' or
'Mumakil'. Mumakil is the correct answer.
*****
7.12 These house acient light
Overwhelming in parts three
Their theft cast over all a twilight
Till they came to earth, sky and sea.
Answer: The Silmarils.
*****
7.13 Between Isen & the white, hunters by trade,
Not growers or crafters,
Friends to the Rohirrim, named freemen
of the forest everafter.
Answer: The Woses, or Wildmen of the Woods let by Ghan-buri-ghan.
*****
7.14 Beyond the Merlock Mountains
a long and lonely road.
Through the spider-shadows and the
Marsh of Tode ...
to the noisome pools where they dwell.
Answer:No problem on that, that's an easy one and comes from a poem by JRRT in
"The Adventures of Tom Bombadil." The answer is "the mewlips."
*****
7.15 0ne ring to rule them all
one ring to bind them
one ring to bring them all
and in the darkness bind them
Answer: One Ring
*****
7.16 Beauty and renown it was the best
and it was built to withstand the fortold test
for peace and splendor it held for many an age
til, in one great swoop, it fell to pillage.
Answer: Gondolin. It's inhabitants really felt that it was impregnable, but it
fell to the onslaught of Gothmog and Co.What of the fortold test? I can't think
of any tests foretold for a place in all of Tolkien's work. Ulmo did of course
foretell that Gondolin would fall eventually, but that is not a test. I don't
think it can be Gondolin, or Nargothrond. Both cities were founded in the First
Age ("of the Sun", that is, as opposed to an "Age of Valinor"), and fell in the
First Age; in fact, I don't think either one lasted as much as a thousand years.
(Don't-blink-you'll-miss-it, by Elven standards.) So that nixes the "many an age"
in line 3.
*****
7.17 At first it was the second and more to the west
Home to the lieutenant who survived the sack
then it was made far superior to all the rest.
From here the great miseries spread
While the Black Enemy sat in his pit of dread
til all was lost to the great sea bed.
Answer: Angband. Originally Melkor had his base in Utumno, establishing Angband
as a secondary fortification. Sauron was in charge there (at Angband) and he kept
Angband nice and cosy until Melkor returned with the silmarilli.
*****
7.18 One of the great power, a veritable demon of fire
who under the stars slew elven sire
when the tears had no numbers he slayed the king
and was himself slain by elven sting.
Answer: Gothmog. Killed Feanor in Dagor-nuin-Giliath (Battle Under Stars), Killed
Fingon in Nirnaeth Arnoediad (Battle of Unnumbered Tears), and was killed by
Ecthelion in Gondolin.
*****
7.19 Melkor Forevermore.
Answer: Morgoth. From the Ballantine paperback Silmarillion, p. 88 ("Then Feanor
rose, and lifting up his hand before Manwe he cursed Melkor, naming him Morgoth,
the Black Foe of the World; and by that name only was he known to the Eldar ever
after.").
Note: a character can be killed by this riddle even if he gives a correct
answer.
*****
7.20 That which was for the head
to hold the lights
was that which was for the neck
to hold the life.
Answer: The Iron Crown. The Iron Crown (for the head) was made by Morgoth to hold
the Silmarils (to hold the lights) was made into his collar (was for the neck)
after the War of Wrath. Source: the Silmarillion.
*****
7.21 The Great Deceiver
Gorthaur
First of the Captains of Angband
....Master....
Answer: Sauron
*****
7.22 West of one and south of another
It was itself divided into two
Home to the First and even before
It was mostly lost in the Great War
Answer: Beleriand
*****
7.23 Born of the second in the first
A lover of white
He slacked his thirst to sail beyond the shadow
with the help of the light
Answer: Earendil
*****
7.24 Lord, brother, friend
and from his mountain he does tend
to the welfare of spouse and aire alike
and does protect all with his windy strike
Answer: Manwe
*****
7.25 Lore, skill, but light on reason
he toiled where others knew not to tread
Following folly he followed
until beneath the stars he was dead
Answer: Feanor
*****
7.26 Black as night
in the hand of light
it took many a life
and carried its own strife
Answer: Gurthang
*****
7.27 North of the Black Gate it lay
Where Elves and Men won the day
In an age gone by it stank of death
'Til marshland gave it fetid breath
Answer: Dagorland
*****
7.28 An unpleasant tongue
devised by the second for all
and found in the inner whirl of one
Answer: Black Tongue (or Black Speech)
*****
7.29 Before the river and the trees
with memory of the first raindrop
and the first scent.
Pathmaker of the first paths
here before the seas were bent.
Answer: Tom Bombadil
*****
7.30 Lore master and singer of old
he betrayed his kin
Wanderer hither and thither afar
nothing could his vision of beauty mar,
for the songs lived on in his mind you see
and he never forgot his love of Elven beauty.
Answer: Daeron.
*****
7.31 Deathless in name
with a crown of stars
he sat upon his throne
Even though he was not the same.
Answer: Durin
*****
7.32 Black wolf's head
body of steel
long ram
gate crasher.
Answer: Grond.
*****
7.33 In Gondor it is said that it is free
a wild sort for anyone to find.
It can be found in both Shire and Bree
and some use it's strength to unwind.
Answer: Pipe-weed
*****
7.34 Bred by Evil to slay
what could be slain in no other way.
Bred to guard that which went astray
and within the great bowels lay.
Slayer and slain all at one time
his death brought all the light to shine.
Answer: Carcharoth
*****
7.35 In Elvish, the one comprised three
The first created, then marred
was to be fixed by the second to be
while the third, far from the worst
dealt with those who were not the first.
Answer: Ainulindale
*****
7.36 The hero of the longest poem of Men
a warrior great in power.
He brought misery to love again
and in his despair life did sour.
Answer: Turin
*****
7.37 In the second before the third
lay the greatest apart from undead
out of sight from where some stand, out of reach as well.
But sacrilege has its reward
and its death is a great story to tell.
Answer: Numenor
*****
7.38 The last High one of the second of the three
the first bearer of one of the three
He fought the dark and besieged his seat
but was undone by the searing heat
Answer: Gil-Galad
*****
7.39 The greatest of the first though not the largest in war
bound to the earth but traveled afar
fought by the Dwarves though he killed the king
Finally laid low by one sword's black sting
Answer: Glaurung
*****
7.40 Thirty White horses on a red hill,
first they champ then they stamp, then they stand still
Answer: Teeth
*****
7.41 Air of Gold
made by smith in ages past
given to Elf
before the last of the Last
Answer: Vilya
*****
7.42 The first of the Black enemy in the Elder days
far beneath the crust of man
tunnels and pits filled with great heat
filled with power as the black enemy's seat
Answer: Utumno
*****
7.43 In the beginning was light brought
by that seen as silver and gold
flourishing til evil wrought its way
and now there is only silver by night and gold by day
Answer: the Two Trees
*****
7.44 There stood in the sheer wall of rock
and in the wall it gaped
like the mouth of night
Answer: Dark Door
*****
7.45 The first found them where the sun could not find them
they howl and snarl and shun the light but as mounts and
fighters they aid the dark fight.
Answer: Wargs
*****
7.46 Over not land is his power to be
and in dreams does he cause his people to see
a counselor who always did favor two
it was all he could do to carry the memories through.
Answer: Ulmo
*****
7.47 The secret shadow, the messenger of the dark,
A woman of the night, a bird with a bite
Answer: Thuringwethil
*****
7.48 Of a father slain was he, Orc Slayer, Ring freer
Drawn to a nightinggale by love's found
Slain in loves arms by wolfhound
Answer: Beren
*****
7.49 Great and noble was he, Wolf slayer was he
Free to leave the evil and join the good
to slay the great evil yet slain be
Answer: Huan
*****
7.50 Voiceless it cries
wingless flutters,
toothless bites
mouthless mutters.
Answer: the wind
*****
7.51 A scene of evil carnage and fury
a battle by name
the fourth of Beleriand
the world sighs
and from the name "Anfauglith" came
Answer: Sudden Flame
*****
7.52 This thing all things devours
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers, gnaws iron, bites steel
grinds hard stones to meal
Answer: Time
*****
7.53 Water made from rare and set with white
was kept in the second from everyone's sight
Soon will it's power be shown as real
when it is set to make the land heal
Answer: unknown, possibly 'Nenya'
*****
7.54 The greatest of the wing
flew far above them all
till in the battle of which they sing
he lost in the great fall.
Answer: Ancalagon
*****
7.55 Destiny & Pride reared their noble heads
to stop the taint from so many beds
and so it came to ravage and it tore
the lives of so many in the war
and after it ravaged and after it slew
men came to realize what they knew
and the name was not war or somesuch
but a name that itself told so much
Answer: Kin-Strife
*****
7.56 Huntsmen, rider, bearer; One of seven,
King bearer, tree, leather (there might be more)
Answer: Orome
*****
7.57 Tenth by the first,
And tenth by the second,
Third by the third, yet always
thirty by all who reckon.
Answer: Narquelie
*****
7.58 In tale his deed was of the heroic meter
Told to lift the hearts of the young.
In deed the tale becomes even sweeter
And of his shot more and more songs are sung.
Answer: Bard the Bowman
*****
7.59 Its air is sultry, dark and sweet
and in its wake death and despair do meet
for it brings surcease and terror all in one
but by a fragrant plant it is undone.
Answer: Black Breath
*****
7.60 Deathless in name
with a crown of stars
he sat upon his own throne
Even though he was not the same.
Answer: Durin
*****
7.61 Ever so sharp
but not so long
it's cut of a jewel
made it's way into song
Answer: Angrist
*****
7.62 A song set in stone
It sat in glory all alone
Staunch in its fight against the dark
Until foul betrayal extinguished it's great spark.
Answer: Gondolin
*****
7.63 On high he was among the Noldor
He alone was wedded once and once more
Slain he was like many of his line
By darkest evil in search of beauty fine.
Answer: Finwe
*****
7.64 A poem it is of ghostly haunts
of hero seeking solace but finding only taunts
Written they say by one of those a bearer
A dream misspeled and holding only terror.
Answer: Sea-Bell
*****
7.65 From Brandy to the tower
twas granted by royal power
Answer: The Shire
*****
7.66 In the west it was said this way
And until it fall it alone held sway
In the days of power it came to a head
taken from the early men some said.
Answer: Believed to be "Adunaic". "Numenor" was tried and
is wrong. Some think "Numenorian" may work.
*****
7.67 Large from the first, they were bred that way
to move and think and bit slower than most
their power and strength held most at bay
and they were the brunt on the Dark Lords host.
Answer: Trolls
*****
7.68 As red he was known
but it was as guardian that the tells were sown
And so the guardian did slay the hunters both man and beast
Yet the good did devour
Til death brought it's own surcease
Answer: Carchoroth
*****
7.69 It is in the most ancient form
and tells of those three houses
They who fought the Dark til ne'er lost
who risked all with their brothers no matter the cost
A heroic voyage enable them to survive the dire test
and in return they were given the west.
Answer: Akallabeth (probably this one), Tale of the chilren of
Hurin (Narn I Hin Hurin), Release from Bondage (Lay of
Leithan)
*****
7.70 Carved upon the deathless door
His name was carved by elven hand
In the city below and books of lore
his artistry would be remembered throughout the land.
Answer: (Narvi or Celebrimbor) It's your guess,
Celebrimbor was the elf and was known as the greatest
"craftsman" throughout the land. He also worked on the
door with Narvi. Narvi made the door and is a Dwarf. The
question is..whose name is on the door, the elf or dwarf.
*****
7.71 Of them they were one of three
Larger and heavier than either of the two.
a great hairy move was made in the third but many didn't agree
And back some went and were gladdened by the dew.
Answer: Stoors
*****
7.72 A true friend and implacable enemy was he
Risk-taker, counselor, schemer
Twice into the bowels of the dark he did go
And by none of the elemental test
was he truly laid low
Answer: Gandalf
*****
7.73 The first found them where
the light of sun could not find them
they howl and snarl and shun the light
but as mounts and fighters they aid the dark fight
Answer: Wargs
*****
7.74 Last of the old is she
A force that even the Dark Lord fears
A place of shaddows is her home
And our screams are the last sound anyone hears.
Answer: Shelob
*****
7.75 Of the ancient, the most
Of the tales, the very first
Set down by a Noldorian host
In the Following a theme well versed.
Answer: Ainulindale
*****
7.76 Made by the darker dark in ages gone by
Quendi sired the tales did cry
In the dark out of the light of day,
They used numbers to keep the light at bay.
Answer: Orcs
*****
7.77 A lesser of the west,
Yet south of the southern wall
Flowing south then east at it's own behest
To a long joining it does crawl.
Answer: River Ginglith
*****
7.78 It points south from the inner side of high ground
With it's own high heights and lower than low places.
It is known from afar that by greater magics it is bound
and that it awaited the return of it's lord's dire graces.
Answer: Barad-dur
*****
7.79 A numenorean was his to bear
A city once known as Lond Ernil fell to his care.
Having victory there he brought battle to field a gate
And in victory again did he give his daughter to mate.
Answer: Imrahil
*****
7.80 Of the Dwarven line of D
Yet related was he to the G's
Fought for life and honor for the T's
Yet lost his life to a watery tragedy.
Answer: Oin
*****
7.81 A windy place they say,
Atop the southernmost and tallest of the high
a place where an eye of seeing did lay,
First sought, then deserted as the years went by.
Answer: Thought to be "Amon Sul"
*****
7.82 Out of dark mirkwood he was said to come
Selected nevertheless tho not as mighty as some.
A good fellow was he, a lover of tree,
who waited til thirds end to sail o'er sea.
Answer: Legolas
*****
7.83 The mouth spews forth- some say for leagues forty
And from it's gate it is said the faithful did sorty
Answer: Bay of Romenna
*****
7.84 In Dark secrecy they were made
By secret blend
Strength and fear were the cornerstones laid
When they came about near Third Age end.
Answer: Uruk-Hai
*****
7.85 From the outer dark into the world was she called
Terror, pollution, and great evil was what she bred.
Sipping the sap to all our great peril
She helped to cause the light to go dead.
Fighting even the Black Enemy with some success
'Til she was forced to some dark recess
And even now may not be dead.
Answer: Ungoliant
*****
7.86 Abhorred, cruel, and Captain he was known
The seeds of his life from good to evil were sown.
Seated in power in a land of depeest black
he was destroyed ere again and ere again did he come back.
Answer: Sauron
*****
7.87 A Noldor of the first
A fate uncertain had this elf lord
One son tortured by blade and thirst
One confined in pit by evil horde
Answer: Guilin
*****
7.88 It is said that from a dying golden tree
This was the last of its fruit,
Set to be seen higher and higher,
Strong and beautiful was the heart of fire.
Answer: Sun
*****
7.89 An emblem of white's clear call
Heraldry handed down to be emblazoned on
shield, helmet, and all.
Answer: White Hand
*****
7.90 d r o u k n n a l t a o h n i
Answer: Unknown.
*****
7.91 A gentle being made mad by ancient power
From the sun did he cravenly cower.
A miserable life of full of fearful loss
An extended life, but at what cost?
Following them, ever did follow he
Til he found a peaceful end to his long misery.
Answer: Gollum.
*****
7.93 Before the inland sea that now is there
There stood a place high in the air
And atop this northernly spire
The smithy's work vent forth it's fire
Possible Answer: Illuin. It is said that Cuivienen in the Northeast of
the world was the gulf of the inland sea of Helkar, that was made when
Morgoth overthrew the lamps of the Valar. Since we are talking about
the north, the good one is Illuin.
*****
7.94 On both sides of a celebrant
With tall warders from ages old
It leaves the wonder of silver and gold
To those who would be so foolish and bold.
Answer: Lothlorien.